Cognition in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplanted Patients and Sports

Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Patients After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Studies suggest that patients with hematological malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for cognitive decline and long-term cognitive dysfunction. To address this issue, a randomized controlled intervention trial on the effect of physical exercise on cognition is conducted. In addition, the impact on psychological and physical health outcomes is evaluated. Results may benefit patients who suffer from disease- or treatment-associated cognitive change.

Studies suggest that patients with hematological malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for cognitive decline and long-term cognitive dysfunction. To address this issue, a randomized controlled intervention trial on the effect of physical exercise on cognition is conducted. In addition, the impact on psychological and physical health outcomes such as depression, fatigue, health-related quality of life and physical fitness is evaluated. A healthy control group matched to the patients on age, gender, and education will be included to both control for practice effects on neuropsychological measures and allow additional comparisons on self-report measures. The healthy control group will undergo neuropsychological testing and questionnaire survey at baseline and 4 months. Demographic data will be collected from all study participants at baseline. Medical data will be collected from patients at all time points. Results may benefit patients who suffer from disease- or treatment-associated cognitive change.

Patients:

Inclusion Criteria:

• hematological malignancy (AML, ALL, MDS, OMF, CML, MM, NHL, Hodgkin, AA)
• 3 to 6 months after allogeneic HSCT
• ≥ 18 years of age at time of transplantation
• German as mother tongue
• regular follow-up visits at the transplantation center during the first year after transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

• > 75 years of age at time of transplantation
• relapse/progress
• thrombocyte count ≤ 50 G/l
• GvHD with lung involvement
• compromised lung function (patients who need oxygen)
• compromised cardiovascular function (< 10-m walk)
• florid infection
• immobility
• neurological disease
• severe psychiatric disease
• regular intake of psychoactive drugs or substance abuse
• uncontrolled diabetes
• high fracture risk
• impaired vision and/or hearing

Healthy controls (matched for age, gender, and education):

Inclusion Criteria:

• ≥ 18 years of age at time of enrolment
• German as mother tongue
• residence in the area of the transplantation center or family members/friends accompanying the patients to clinical follow-up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

• > 75 years of age at time of enrolment
• hematological malignancy
• solid tumour disease
• neurological disease
• severe psychiatric disease
• regular intake of psychoactive drugs or substance abuse
• impaired vision and/or hearing